Don't forget to take care of your furry friends

With western Sydney set to experience record heat today, it's important to remember that your pets need feel protection during the hot weather too. Here are some tips for looking after your animals in the heat.

- Made in the Shade: Pets get dehydrated much quicker than humans, so ensure they are given plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Also make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun and do not over-exercise them. Keep them indoors when extremely hot.

- Know the Warning Signs: Panting and difficulty breathing are symptoms of pets overheating. An increased heart and respiratory rate is indicated by drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. In other cases pets can suffer from seizures, bloody diarrhoea and vomit as well as an elevated body temperature. Animals with flat faces, such as pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat strong since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets along with the elderly, the overweight and those with heart or lung disease should be kept in air conditioned rooms.

- No Parking: Car owners are urged not to leave animals alone in a parked vehicles especially on a hot day. Leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

- Shaving doesn’t help: While a trim is often recommended for pets, shaving off the hair completely doesn't help to cool them down. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.